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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I've been reading this book for over a year, mostly a story or two at a time whenever I felt like it. There are stories here that I would love to give five (or even six or seven) stars to, like:
- the wedding story in the introduction
- the price
- troll bridge (because of the ending)
- the facts in the case of the disappearance of miss finch
- we can get them for you wholesale
- Babycakes
- Snow, Glass, Apples
But there were also a bunch of stories I didn't enjoy as much or didn't enjoy at all. Maybe I'll need to reread some of them at some point but for now I'll stick with my three stars for the book over all and happily reread the stories I did love.
My favorite Neil Gaiman book, hands down. Snow, Glass, Apples is my favorite short story. He seems to be better at short stories, since I've had a hard time getting through both Neverwhere and American Gods.
Whilst a very enjoyable and engaging read, there were certainly a range of stories within.
There were stories which flew directly over my head- "Eaten" and "Queen of Knives".
There were stories that have clicked more into place whilst scanning back over the book for this review- "Virus" and "Fifteen Painted Cards from a Vampire Tarot".
There were stories which comfortably entertained and passed the time- "We Can Get Them For You Wholesale", "Chivalry" and "The Facts in the Case of the Departure of Miss Finch".
And then there were those stories that flattened me, spun me around and dropped me back aching for more. "Troll Bridge" was the first of these and tells a tale of a life poorly lived and promised to another.
"The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories" spins a tale of forgotten old Hollywood with its claws still grasping for a hold on the shiny and new.
"Changes" gives a Shelley-esque take on scientific progression.
Finally, the astounding "Looking for the Girl" drips with obsession and supernatural youth.
As usual, Gaiman doesn't disappoint and I will continue to hungrily devour his work.
There were stories which flew directly over my head- "Eaten" and "Queen of Knives".
There were stories that have clicked more into place whilst scanning back over the book for this review- "Virus" and "Fifteen Painted Cards from a Vampire Tarot".
There were stories which comfortably entertained and passed the time- "We Can Get Them For You Wholesale", "Chivalry" and "The Facts in the Case of the Departure of Miss Finch".
And then there were those stories that flattened me, spun me around and dropped me back aching for more. "Troll Bridge" was the first of these and tells a tale of a life poorly lived and promised to another.
"The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories" spins a tale of forgotten old Hollywood with its claws still grasping for a hold on the shiny and new.
"Changes" gives a Shelley-esque take on scientific progression.
Finally, the astounding "Looking for the Girl" drips with obsession and supernatural youth.
As usual, Gaiman doesn't disappoint and I will continue to hungrily devour his work.
I can never get enough of his short stories. They really do capture me.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
(This is a copy-pasted review from my Goodreads account)
TL;DR: If bipolar disorder was a book, it would be this book.
First of all, the stories are very hit or miss. They range wildly from brilliant to boring and pointless to downright disturbing and vile (pointlessly vile).
Don't get me wrong, I do love disturbing books, many of which are vile and disgusting, but I feel like mature themes in this book were used purely for shock value and nothing else.
Secondly, the way in which the stories are ordered doesn't make any sense and the constant pacing of a boring story followed by a disturbing one gave me whiplash every 20-30 pages.
I feel like this book was made by throwing together random stories Neil had lying around for the sole purpose of appeasing his publisher.
TL;DR: If bipolar disorder was a book, it would be this book.
First of all, the stories are very hit or miss. They range wildly from brilliant to boring and pointless to downright disturbing and vile (pointlessly vile).
Don't get me wrong, I do love disturbing books, many of which are vile and disgusting, but I feel like mature themes in this book were used purely for shock value and nothing else.
Secondly, the way in which the stories are ordered doesn't make any sense and the constant pacing of a boring story followed by a disturbing one gave me whiplash every 20-30 pages.
I feel like this book was made by throwing together random stories Neil had lying around for the sole purpose of appeasing his publisher.
It's always a treat to read Neil Gaiman, no matter the genre (of which there are many in this collection). Sci-fi, mystery, slice of life, or even, surprisingly, alien erotica – they're all bite-sized and simple and enjoyable. Not to mention, listening along with the audiobook (what a sweet, soothing voice!!) makes for a relaxing wind-down at the end of the day.
3.5 ☆
P.S. Can Goodreads add half-stars already?
3.5 ☆
P.S. Can Goodreads add half-stars already?
This one was okay for me.
A few of the stories were extraordinary.
Some were repulsive.
Some were meh.
The Troll Bridge is a great story -- and I like the illustrated version of that. Neil Gaiman is a great storyteller (and I still love hearing him read his own stories) -- but this collection wasn't my favorite.
A few of the stories were extraordinary.
Some were repulsive.
Some were meh.
The Troll Bridge is a great story -- and I like the illustrated version of that. Neil Gaiman is a great storyteller (and I still love hearing him read his own stories) -- but this collection wasn't my favorite.
Always a joy to read Gaiman, since the day I got a copy of [b:Preludes & Nocturnes|23754|Preludes & Nocturnes (The Sandman, #1)|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411609637s/23754.jpg|1228437] and [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459127484s/16793.jpg|3166179]. The short stories are wonderful, not to mention that they have religious overtones and points for serious reflection and thought.
It's been awhile since I've been struggling to finish a book. This book of short stories is just all over the place, and I honestly didn't like most of the stories. Turns out that I only like when they have a consistent theme and style